CHAPTER BOOKS
The Last Superhero
by Kristin Butcher (Napoleon & Company/Dundurn, 2010)
Chapter book about Jas, a comic book writer in grade seven, and his encounter with Wren his crusading classmate who takes on bullies and pulls Jas into her vortex. Written with humour, fast paced.
Jake Drake Bully Buster
by Andrew Clements (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2007)
Jake is in fourth grade and he has been a bully magnet for as long as he can remember. He thinks he knows why too. Then he meets Link a "Certified, Grade A, Super Bully" and suffers at his hands. When the two are assigned to work on a project together Jake learns things about Link that help him to unravel the bully's behaviour and change both their lives.
Better Than Weird (sequel to The Mealworm Diaries)
by Anna Kerz (Orca Book Publishers, 2011)
Aaron struggles to get along with other kids at school despite help from his counsellor. He is teased, bullied and chosen last. This story is written from his point of view. He has not seen his father since his mother died 8 years ago and now he's coming with pregnant new wife. Aaron worries about whether or not his father will stay.
Words that Start with B
by Vikki VanSickle (Scholastic Canada, 2010)
Grade seven student Clarissa Delaney had high hopes for the year but a substitute teacher, her mother's diagnosis and the bullying of her best friend bring unexpected challenges.
The Power of Harmony
by Jan L. Coates (Red Deer Press, 2013)
Set in Springhill Nova Scotia during the 1960s. Jennifer is the bullies' target until Melody, a Native girl, joins the class. Their shared love of reading, books and music helps them navigate the bullying and racism that surrounds them.
CCBC's Best Books for Kids and Teens list 2013.
Ontario Library Association Best Bets List 2013.
The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen
by Susin Nielsen (Tundra Books, 2012)
Henry's therapist has suggested that he keep a journal and in these surprisingly funny pages we hear about his experiences with bullying, suicide, grief, families falling apart, wrestling and true friendship.
Governor General’s Literary Award
Canadian Library Association’s Book of the Year for Children Award
The Outsiders
by S.E Hinton (1st published by The Viking Press 1967) .
S.E. Hinton was a 15 yr old highschool student in Oklahoma when she started writing this YA classic and launched a new genre of realistic teenage fiction. She describes disturbing clashes between two gangs, the Greasers and the Socs from the point of view of 14 year old Greaser Ponyboy Curtis.
Egghead
by Caroline Pignat (Red Deer Press, 2008)
Written from the points of view of three teens caught in a bullying dilemma. Will Reid, a nerdy grade nine student, is being bullied by Shane. Katie has been Will's friend since elementary school but now there are rumours that Will is her boyfriend. Devan is struggling with being Shane's sidekick.
Ages 13+
Red Maple Book Award - Fiction Honour Book 2009,
Snow Willow Award Nominee 2009,
CLA Young Adult Canadian Book Award shortlist, 2009,
Canadian Children's Book Centre Our Choice, 2009.)
Blob
by Frieda Wishinsky (Orca Book Publishers, 2010)
From the back cover: "I saw Eve on the street this summer," says Zoe. "She's gotten so fat. She looks like a blob." Starting a new high school couldn't be worse for Eve. She gained weight over the summer, her best friend is avoiding her, and she's become the target of another girl's cruelty. Will anyone want to hang out with her, or is Eve doomed to sit alone in the lunchroom every day? In this story bullying and body image issues are combined. Eve finds a healthy way to cope with her weight gain.
Jane, the Fox & Me
by Fanny Britt, illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault (Groundwood Books, 2013)
This graphic novel tells the story of Helene who is ostracized by her classmates. She seeks solace in the story of Jane Eyre.
New York Times Best Illustrated Book
Accolades in this Brain Pickings Review
The Odds Get Even and sequel Against All Odds
by Natale Ghent (HarperCollins Canada, 2009)
The Odd Fellows are three neighbour boys who hang out together in their tree house. Together they plot how to overcome Larry Harry their bullying arch nemesis and win the school's Invention Convention.
My Side
by Norah McClintock (Orca Book Publishers, 2013)
(High interest book for reluctant teen readers - grade level 2-4, interest 13+).
There are at least two sides to every story. This novel examines both sides in this story of teen girls who used to be friends until one of them publicly humiliates and victimizes the other.
Rat
by Leslie Choyce (Orca Book Publishers, 2012)
(High interest book for reluctant teen readers - grade level 2-4, interest 13+).
Colin speaks out against a couple of school thugs and they post an embarrassing picture of him online. Tired of being labelled a rat, Colin backs off from another confrontation but this time someone dies and Colin is left wondering what he could have done.
Sticks and Stones
by Beth Goobie (Orca Book Publishers, 2002)
(High interest book for reluctant teen readers - grade level 2-4, interest 13+).
Labelled a 'slut', Jujube tries to cope by rallying other girls in her position.
Responsible
by Darlene Ryan (Orca Book Publishers, 2007)
(High interest book for reluctant teen readers - grade level 2-4, interest 13+).
At his fourth high school this year, Kevin falls in with a group of bullies and finds himself tormenting Erin. She stands up to them. Kevin has decisions to make.
NON FICTION
Cyberbullying (Take a Stand Against Bullying Series)
by Rachel Stuckey (Crabtree Publishing, 2013)
A revealing look at the real world of cyberbullying and what makes it different from other types of bullying. Issues discussed include: the legalities of online harassment, digital security, and responsible digital citizenship as well as how to take a stand against cyberbullying.
Straight Talk About … Digital Dangers
by Rachel Stuckey (Crabtree Publishing, 2015)
Advice for staying safe online.
We Want You To Know: Kids Talk About Bullying
by Deborah Ellis (Coteau Books, 2010)
Students aged 9-12 are interviewed by the author and speak about their direct experiences of bullying including what has helped and what has not helped.
Teacher's Guide available at www.coteaubooks.com.